The Beast's Possession

**Aife pov**

Nobody made me a clear promise, but as the days slowly dragged by, I was growing more and more excited about my birthday.

Okay, I lied. I wasn't excited about the birthday or the day in general, I was excited about the possibility of Bane, finally coming home.

He had been away for so long, I couldn't believe I could have slept even for an hour without him next to me. Without him holding me in his arms and making me feel safe.

In a way, it was both funny and sad at the same time how my priorities had changed over the time I spent in this pack.

Years ago, I was so full of excitement to reach the big day, but not it all shifted. Back then, I knew my dad would be there to sing me a happy birthday song, watch me blow the candles on the cake and open the presents..

But now? Now I didn't want that at all. The songs, gifts and cake held no value. Maybe this meant that I had finally grown up and didn't focus on everything that didn't hold any importance? I hoped so. I really did.

To distract myself, I hummed a tone under my breath and checked the boxes and bags of outfits Zion had brought me today. He and Kala went out shopping and she had chosen some new clothes for me. I appreciated the effort and the thought, but honestly, I felt better running around wearing Bane's t-shirts and hoodies, not dresses and high heels.

"You're making this more difficult than it has to be. First, stop overreacting, okay? And now, remember that you need to look your best on your birthday. Remember that you're not trying to impress your man, he's already impressed, so this time, do it for yourself," Kala had scolded me when I first mentioned that I wanted to look good for Bane.

While she had a point, the poor thing didn't see how she was contradicting herself. I, apparently, wasn't allowed to look pretty and get dressed to the tens for my man, while she freaked out every morning because she didn't want Zion to see her with her hair being a mess. Who was overreacting now?

However, as I rummaged through the piles of new and very expensive looking clothing, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

I didn't want to come across as selfish, self-absorbed, spoiled, or Goddess forbid ungrateful, but all of these things were anything but me.

I didn't like everything high end just because it had high prices. Sure, some fabrics were very soft to the touch, but the quality was awful and I didn't even want to start on describing how those pieces looked.

To put them all in perspective, I felt like I was surrounded by a fashion show that had been inspired by the unfortunate people who lived on the streets. Some of the pieces looked dirty, some were torn up on purpose and the list went on. Mentally, I was developing a plan on how to hide these clothes or even better, sell them and donate money to the charity. Maybe I could even return them to the stores and then give money to those who really needed it?

A smile crept on my lips as I decided that would be exactly what I would do. Once Bane was home, he could take me to those stores and help me return everything and then, Zion couldn't say anything because I could hide behind my man. My heart started beating a little faster and my chest became warmer every time I thought about Bane. And not only that - whenever he was on my mind, I was completely oblivious to everything that happened around me. Which kind of sucked because then, I didn't notice anyone creeping up on me. Just like now, because the guard who cleared his throat right next to me startled me so much, I actually screamed.

"I'm deeply sorry for startling you, Luna, but I've been sent here to tell you that the witch in the cells wants to talk to you again. Beta Zion was very hesitant about this as the last time didn't go by smoothly and she didn't tell you anything of use, but this time, she's begging to see you. She's claiming she had a vision and you must know. The pack agreed to take this as a serious safety matter so we all think you should see her."

The poor man sounded so uncomfortable and scared, I really didn't know how to react.

I wasn't too excited to see her again, that woman was the definition of madness, but I also felt a little grateful for a chance to get out of the room and away from the piles of clothing.

Rather quickly, I jumped to my feet, so fast that I got dizzy and almost fell. If it weren't for the fast instincts of the guard and his ability to catch me, I would be on the floor now.

"Woah, Luna, take it easy. Are you okay? Do you need to sit down? Should I call the pack doctor to check on you? I don't think you should go to the witch if you don't feel good." Nothing but concern laced his words.

"I'm fine," I whispered, gently pushing the guard away. "It's probably because I've been sitting down for so long and my legs got wiggly or something. Don't mind me, I'm okay." I smiled at him.

Cautiously, the guard stepped away and nodded. "If you insist, Luna."

Just to make a point, I mimicked his tone, "I do insist."

The guard chuckled at my behavior and spun around, heading for the door. "Let's go then, I will walk you there and remain close by just to ensure you stay safe," he called at me. With a slight smirk across my lips, I followed in his footsteps. My mind was going into wild circles as I tried to figure out what the witch might tell me.

A part of me doubted any information she had would ever benefit me, but the curiosity killed the cat, right? Good thing I wasn't a cat then.

With every step closer to the doors to the cells, I grew more uneasy. I wasn't sure why, but the area had a weird atmosphere around it - dark, inviting, yet dangerous at the same time.

My heart started hammering in my chest so hard, I could hear the pounding in my ears. My palms started sweating and my breath got stuck in my throat more than once.

By the time I stood in front of the cell, I felt like sweat was pouring off me like a waterfall. What on earth was going on? Why all of a sudden, standing in front of this man woman, I feel like I was on a stage, an object of everyone's ridicule? "Get away from here. Get away before he returns. Go away and never look back at this place. I don't like you, but I don't wish your fate upon my worst enemies. Pain, so much pain, that's all I see for you. You'll become a pawn, a toy in his hands. He will use you and toss you away as soon as you break. Leave, I beg you, leave."

My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. What type of a sick nightmare was this? Where was this information coming from?

As reluctantly as I approached this place, now, I wanted to run out of here as fast as I could, despite my legs being frozen inside the ground I was standing on.

I really wanted to get away from here, but my heart was overruled by my mind, which forced me to get involved with this woman's madness.

"What do you mean?" I heard myself ask.

Somehow, while I stood here, I felt like this was some sick out of the body experience. I didn't feel like it was myself who looked and talked to her.

Was it possible for a soul to leave the body and stand aside to watch the nightmare happen? I seemed like it was..

"Didn't you listen to me? I'm telling you - you must leave. If you want to live, if you want to enjoy a couple more years down the line, you must get the hell out of this place. He won't spare anyone, he won't spare you either," she hissed, slowly approaching the cell bars.

Her eyes glowed as if someone had possessed her, blood ran down her mouth and overall, this woman looked like she was in debt with death. A creepy sight to see, really.

Taking a step back, I stuttered, "I-I need the a-answers. I can't believe y-you just because y-you said so. I-I need proof."

With everything within me, I didn't want to believe a word that left her lips. Witches were known liars, they did everything to manipulate and deceive others, so there was no saying this one wasn't trying to do the same.

Who knew, perhaps she tried to get me out of here only to hurt Bane? That kind of made sense because one of the closest people to Bane took her arms and she most likely wanted revenge for the wrongdoings.

"Don't believe me for all I care," she scoffed. "I already made it clear that I don't like you but I wouldn't wish what I saw upon anyone. If you're so keen to live the nightmare, stay. If you're smart - you'll get out of here before the next morning comes because then, he will arrive too."